§ 8.28.070. Standards for granting or denying tree removal.

The determination by the planning commission to issue a tree cutting permit shall be based on the criteria set forth below.

A.

The condition of the tree with respect to disease, danger of collapse of all or any portion, proximity to an existing structure, walkway, driveway, alley or street, or interference with utility services;

B.

The necessity to remove the tree in order to construct public or private improvements which allow economic development of the property. In applying this subsection, the planning commission shall not consider such removal to be necessary for a private improvement unless the applicant has actually applied for, and has paid plan checking fees for a building permit for the subject improvements. The request to remove a tree shall not be denied if the applicant shows that the tree would unreasonably interfere with a building, road, or other necessary appropriate improvement, or with grading required for appropriate drainage, and parking areas necessary to provide for sufficient use of the property so as to make a project economically feasible;

C.

The number of mature trees existing on the subject property;

D.

Good forestry practices, i.e., the number of healthy mature trees that a given area will support, and stem spacing no greater than twenty-five feet. This also applies to Section 8.28.060;

E.

Whether removal of the tree is necessary to any public or utility right-of-way;

F.

The suitability of the tree species in the subject area;

G.

The slope and other physical attributes of the land on which the trees are located.

(Ord. 289-92 §4, 1992: Ord. 284-91 §1(part), 1991).